The idea of traveling during pregnancy is often worrying for pregnant women and their partners. Families who are stressed out about the fear that labor will start early or cause a miscarriage often ask this question to their doctors. When making the right decision, it would be wise to know the climate and hygiene conditions of the place you are traveling to, consider the length of the road you will travel, calculate the stage of pregnancy, determine the vehicle you will use, and consider the presence of pregnancy-related problems before traveling.
Serious problems such as hypertension, vaginal bleeding or the threat of premature birth, which are present when the decision to travel is made, confirm from the outset that this decision will not be correct. If everything is going normally, there are some points to consider before and during the trip;
Travel is not recommended unless necessary at the beginning and end of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding and miscarriages can be triggered by long journeys in the early stages. The same situation applies after 32-33 weeks due to the risk of early onset of labor. The second trimester of pregnancy is the most suitable period for travel. During this period, the mother-to-be has become accustomed to pregnancy, the nausea and vomiting period has ended, and the risks have decreased.
If the climate of the place you are traveling to has seasonality that does not match the place you live in, you should reconsider going. In addition, traveling to tropical regions and countries where endemic diseases are common and hygienic conditions are poor is not recommended.
The type of vehicle you will travel in is also important. As a general rule, choosing a vehicle that will allow you to take a break every 2-3 hours will be the right choice. Car and bus journeys are safe when you use roads that are not broken. Most airlines do not accept pregnant women in their last trimester on long flights or request a doctor's report. Flights that are no longer than three hours are the safe and recommended form of transportation. Long open sea cruises are not recommended due to concerns about inadequate medical assistance.
A final medical examination before travelling would be appropriate. A copy of the necessary medical documents documenting the pregnancy should be obtained from your doctor. You can get recommendations from your doctor regarding what to do in an emergency and the centres you can apply to at the destination.
Things to consider during travel are especially related to the problems that can occur due to long periods of inactivity and inappropriate sitting positions. These problems include serious conditions such as deep venous thrombosis, blood clots in the legs, urinary tract infections, and back and waist pain. In order to avoid these, it is necessary to take a break every 2-3 hours and walk for 10-15 minutes. If not possible, it would be correct to keep your feet moving and try to sit by extending them forward. It is necessary to drink plenty of water and avoid holding urine during travel. Wearing a seat belt during travel will prevent possible traumas. When wearing the belt, make sure that the lower belt wraps around your waist under your belly, and the upper belt goes between your breasts and passes over your belly.
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